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Moles, i.e., melanocytic nevi, are benign lesions that can appear on the skin as well as on mucous membranes. These are benign pigmented formations, clearly defined, usually round, and can appear on any part of the body. <\/p>
Everyone has moles, although some are rarely present from birth (congenital nevi). Most moles develop during adolescence, and the majority appear by the age of 20. <\/p>
Moles are not a cause for concern by themselves, but in certain situations and in certain individuals (mainly due to genetic predisposition and excessive sun exposure), they can undergo malignant transformation and turn into melanoma. Therefore, any change in a mole in terms of color, size, or shape is a sign that the mole needs to be surgically removed and sent for pathological (PH) analysis. <\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Which moles need to be surgically removed?\n\n<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
To assess moles, dermatologists have developed the ABCDE rules which patients can also follow during self-examination at home:<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tA \u2013 Asymmetry: Asymmetry means one half of the mole has changed appearance compared to the other half.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tB \u2013 Border: The edges of the mole become uneven, jagged, or unclear. <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tC \u2013 Color: A healthy mole has a uniform color (from light brown to dark brown). A change in color or the appearance of new shades including brown, black, red, blue, yellow, and white is considered pathological. <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tD \u2013 Diameter: Moles with a diameter of 6 mm or more are considered at increased risk. <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
- \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tE \u2013 Evolution: Moles should remain the same color, shape, and size throughout adulthood. If there has been any evolution or change in any way, this is a reason to see a dermatologist. <\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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All moles that meet at least two of the ABCDE criteria are considered suspicious and should be surgically removed. <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t